August 9, 2023
Contact: Antonio Cowser
Acowser@hrc.lacounty.gov
213-440-2945
LA vs Hate Billboards Shine Across LA County Beaches
New LA vs Hate billboards are located at 40 different Lifeguard towers across the beaches of LA County to send a warm, welcoming message to the public.
Los Angeles – August 9, 2023 – The County Human Relations Commission’s LA vs Hate Summer of Solidarity initiative heads to the beach, thanks to a collaboration between LA County’s Beaches and Harbor Department, the Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division, and the LA County Fire Department Foundation! You might see these new billboards at 40 different Lifeguard towers at beaches across the county, stretching from Zuma to Torrance.
“Our beaches are beautiful public spaces which should be kept inviting to all,” said Robin Toma, Executive Director of LA County Commission on Human Relations. “We are letting beachgoers know that our Summer of Solidarity means we stand up to hate, and we report it, thanks to the wonderful work of our partner TaskForce PR and to the partnership of county Beaches, Fire, and the Fire Foundation.”
“Hate has no place on the beach,” said Director Gary Jones of the LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors (DBH), which manages and maintains more than 20 miles of LA County coastline, as well as Marina del Rey. “Beachgoers know that the lifeguard towers are symbols of safety, and the anti-hate billboards are a reminder that the beach should be a safe place no matter your race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, religion, or other characteristic. Thank you to LA vs Hate and the lifeguards for spreading the message.” The County of Los Angeles Fire Department and the LA County Fire Department Foundation, a non-profit organization, echoed the same sentiment.
“Together, we must all make a pledge to stand up against hate,” said Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone, who oversees the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division comprised of 800 highly skilled lifeguards that protect 72 miles of Southern California’s coastline, including Catalina Island. “The LA vs Hate billboards installed on our community lifeguard towers serve as a reminder that our beaches remain a safe space and gathering place where everyone is welcome and belongs. I am grateful to the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, LA vs. Hate, my lifeguard team, the Department of Beaches and Harbor, and the LA County Fire Foundation for helping us share this important message.”
“Our board reached out to donate the ad space to LA vs Hate because we are committed to inclusivity! Support causes like this one by donating to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Foundation at www.FireDonations.org.” said, Executive Director, Stacey Mungo.
LA vs Hate launched its new Summer of Solidarity program on May 21st, World Cultural Diversity Day. LA vs Hate produces art-led responses to hate, including posters, banners, and murals installed throughout the County, all of which are visible here. Included in Summer of Solidarity is the development of five community murals that celebrate communities most affected by hate. The first of which was a beautiful mural for the Jewish community. It was already unveiled at 9320 Pico Avenue, Los Angeles; the LGBTQIA+ mural planned for Bixby Park Community Center, 130 Cherry Avenue Long Beach, opening August 5th; the Indigenous people acknowledgment mural planned for the Antelope Valley area on September 9th; a Latino community commemoration mural in the San Gabriel Valley, planned for September 30th and the African American community commemoration mural in the Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, planned for an October opening. LA vs Hate’s Asian American – Pacific Islander – Native Hawaiian anti-hate mural is also up at two sites in the county and is visible at www.LAvsHate.org.
Find more info on upcoming Summer of Solidarity mural unveilings and events at lavshate.org/community-events-calendar. www.lavshate.org. #LAvsHate
About LA vs Hate
LA vs Hate is a community-centered system designed to support all residents of Los Angeles County. Led by the Human Relations Commission, LA vs Hate partners with community partners from all five County districts, representing a diverse coalition of voices committed to ending hate. The system aims to address the normalization of hate and inspire people to stand up to it, build understanding about what constitutes a hate act and how to report it, as well as support individuals and communities as they heal from the trauma of hate and work to end systemic discrimination. By tracking and reporting hate, we can ensure that resources are allocated appropriately, that those targeted by hate receive the support they need, and that together, we can build respectful and resilient communities.